|
 |
 |
 |
|
Media releases > Abbey investment
Abbey invests in ability of people with disabilities
(4 February 2004)
Abbey today announced that it is donating £20,000 to international development charity VSO.
The money will contribute to VSO's ongoing work to promote equality of opportunity for disabled people. In particular it will enable VSO to open up opportunities for disabled people to volunteer with VSO, changing their lives and the lives of disadvantaged people in the developing world. Mark Goldring VSO's Chief Executive says that:
The donation is very good news for VSO and for people with disabilities. Working with VSO provides a unique opportunity for disabled people to build their confidence, skills and self-belief whilst using their existing skills to help some of the worlds most disadvantaged.
Volunteering with VSO was a long held ambition for Jane Ryan, a wheel-chair user from Wales. Initially Jane held little hope of being able to volunteer but as VSO has made strides in making volunteering as accessible as possible, Jane was able to find a placement in Bulgaria.
Jane says that:
At first life was tough in Bulgaria and there were a number of physical and cultural challenges I had to overcome. In doing this my confidence increased but it also corrected peoples stereotypes and made them think differently about disability.
Lucy Grubb, Community Relations manager at Abbey said:
Abbey is proud to provide funding for VSO. Abbey strives to be a good corporate citizen and we are committed to working with and supporting the local charities in any way we can.
Opportunities for people with disabilities remain limited but with the help of donations like that from Abbey, VSO will be able to continue to offer more placements to people like Jane.
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
